RGC return to Principality Premiership action this weekend after a summer of significant changes at the Colwyn Bay-based side.

It has been a brief period of transition for the Gogs under head coach Mark Jones and assistant Phil John, and their new-look squad will test their top-flight credentials against a talented Neath side on Saturday (2.30pm).

They will be without the service of influential trio Jacob Botica, Alex Schwartz and Tiaan Loots, who have left the club this summer to try their hand at the professional ranks with Newport Gwent Dragons and Cornish Pirates.

Their departures will be sorely missed but Jones has moved swiftly to bring in a ready-made replacement at fly-half in Billy McBryde, who came through the Scarlets and Llanelli programmes and has vast national experience at youth level having represented Wales at U16, 18 and 20 level.

Another notable arrival is Pwllheli skipper Nick Butterworth, who will compete with Efan Jones and Cameron Davies for the number nine shirt after a trophy laden spell with the WRU National League Division One North side.

Their two pre-season victories over Dragons U23 and Caldy over the last fortnight have given the head coach plenty of cause for encouragement as they look to continue to be a force to be reckoned with against the best domestic sides in the country.

The Gogs have also been buoyed with the performance of Afon Bagshaw at the World Rugby 7s Cup in the United States, and this experience will stand him in good stead as he looks to build his reputation as one of the standout performers in the division.

With the Stadiwm Zip World pitch still undergoing improvements, RGC’s first home clash will be played at the home of Ruthin Rugby Club.

Season tickets will still be valid for the opening day clash, with entry costing £5.